WATCH THE RECORDING: The rector handed over the University of Tartu honorary decorations

On 24 November, at 16:00, Rector Toomas Asser presented the university’s honorary decorations at the ceremony in the assembly hall.

This year, 94 people were recognised with the University of Tartu honorary decorations. The University of Tartu’s highest decoration, the Johan Skytte medal, was awarded to member of the Riigikogu, Professor Margit Sutrop, who has contributed significantly to the development of the University of Tartu and higher education in Estonia. She has determinedly and effectively stood up for the funding and the quality of higher education and research in Estonia.

In addition to the Johan Skytte Medal, the rector presented the University of Tartu Grand Medals, the Medals, the Badges of Distinction and the decorations “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu”.

At the award ceremony, Rector Toomas Asser said that this year’s list of recipients reflects the continuity and development of the university. “It is just the right moment now to take a deep bow to the people who, with their work, have made Estonian society and governance understand the importance of our domestic research and higher education: that these fields which are essential for the survival of the democratic state need not only verbal support but also the assurance that necessary financial resources are guaranteed to maintain and develop their quality”, Asser said. He added that there are many more people worthy of recognition at the university and among its partners, and outstanding achievements are often the result of teamwork.

All university members may nominate candidates for the honorary decorations of the University of Tartu. To do so, they need to submit the candidate’s name and a brief statement of reasons on the university’s website. The senate makes the decision on awarding the Johan Skytte Medal and the Grand Medal at its meeting in October; the rector decides the awarding of the Medal, the Badge of Distinction and the decoration “100 Semesters at the University of Tartu” immediately after the senate meeting.

See this year’s recipients of honorary decorations. The recording of the ceremony can be watched on UTTV.

From this autumn, there is also a constantly updated register of awards and recognition on the university’s website. 

Watch the recording: